Chap. III. 
BAY OF CHINCHEW. 
41 
use. In going past the site of the old stable a few days 
afterwards, our people were surprised to see the stones 
all brought back ; doubtless through the interference of 
some superior oiBficer amongst the Chinese. This incident 
shows, I think, that the mandarins are anxious to pre- 
serve peace with the English, although some people, 
who pretend to secret sources of information, assert that 
in the interior they are preparing for another war. 
The country, both with regard to vegetation and 
general features, is the same as at Chimoo : I was, how- 
ever, much struck with the formation of one part of the 
mainland near the entrance to the bay. Part of the hill 
was rocky, but other parts were formed by immense 
banks of sea-sand, which appear to have been driven up 
from the bottom of the ocean by some terrific storm or 
convulsion of nature. Sea-shells, stony shingle, large 
fragments of rock, as well as sand, contribute their share 
in swelling the mighty mass, and all formed a great 
contrast with the appearance of everjrthing around it. 
The natives bear the same character as those all along 
the coast in this province — that of thieves and pirates ; 
but they are the best and most enterprising sailors in 
China, and you meet them in every port you go to. 
Their trade will be much injured by the admission of 
English vessels into the northern ports. 
I must here notice the great kindness and assistance 
which I have always received from the captains of 
vessels at these opium stations, who were always ready 
to lend me a helping hand, and forward my views by 
every means in their power. 
